This is a combination remote bidding event in which supporters bid online on silent items prior to participating in a virtual live auction, which is livestreamed directly on your site.
Online Silent bidding and Virtual Live bidding use separate bidding interfaces on your site, so it’s important that you close your online silent auction prior to launching your virtual livestream.
Best Practices and Tips
Many of the best practices for gala auctions with online pre-bidding and for virtual live events apply here. The following should also be considered:
Follow a Gala model for your combination online silent plus Virtual Live auction. You wouldn’t leave your silent items open during an in-person gala, because it would distract bidders from your live auction. The same thinking applies to this remote bidding combo: wrap up silent bidding first, so that your supporters focus their full attention on your Virtual Live event.
Your online silent auction can be used to build excitement for your virtual live auction. Enter your live items into your catalog prior to your silent auction, so that your supporters can browse them while bidding on your silent items.
If you’re using extended bidding, make sure that even items with extended closing times close prior to the start of your live event.
Turn off email notifications to silent item winners. Instead, wait until the close of your virtual live event and send everyone an invitation to self checkout. This allows your supporters to review and pay for all of their purchases at one time.
Things to Avoid or Consider
Never direct livestream viewers to your online silent auction during your virtual live event. They can’t view your silent items without switching to a different screen from--and thus losing the ability to see and hear--your virtual livestream.
If you feel you absolutely must keep your online silent auction open during and/or after your virtual livestream event, read this article carefully. Still not convinced? At the very least, pause your online auction until your virtual event is complete.
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